Judge blocks criminal history in 2015 Punta Gorda murder trial

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Michael J Russo (Photo courtesy of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – A judge granted a motion Friday to block an accused killer’s criminal history from being discussed during his trial for the fatal 2015 shooting of a 7-Eleven clerk.

Michael Russo, 28, is accused of shooting 18-year-old Kyle Farishian before setting his body on fire at the 7-Eleven at Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive. The teenage clerk died of a gunshot wound, according to Punta Gorda police.

Russo was charged with murder and arson.michael russo

Surveillance video showed him carrying a gas can into the 7-Eleven on the morning of the November 2015 fire.

Police believe Russo’s motive could be tied to his ban from the store. His lawyer, Mark de Sisto, said Russo was issued a trespassing warning from management at the 7-Eleven, but that will not be included as evidence in his client’s trial for murder.

“The only relevant thing I could see that mattered that came up and might be included in here or would most likely be included in trial was a trespass warning that was issued from from the same establishment,” de Sisto said.

State prosecutors and Russo’s defense agreed to the terms of the motion before the judge granted it.

Russo’s trial is scheduled to begin in March.

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